Dimapur, August 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Shooting Sports Association (NSSA), in collaboration with the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, inaugurated a two-week free training and competition programme under the theme “Sports for All” at the Temjen Toy Indoor Shooting Range, Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, Duncan, Dimapur, on August 21. The programme will continue till August 30. The opening ceremony was chaired by Vilivi H. Sheqi.
Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, graced the occasion as the Special Guest. Addressing the gathering, he said shooting was deeply rooted within the Naga community and was gradually gaining recognition with greater emphasis on sports infrastructure and youth engagement.
Neivikuolie Khatsu, Assistant Secretary General of the Nagaland Olympic Association, attended as Guest of Honour. Speaking on behalf of the association, Khatsu emphasized the importance of discipline, commitment and focus in the life of every sportsperson.
JI Yaden, former IGP & Director of Vigilance and Working President of NSSA, was the Chief Host. In his address, he highlighted the history of shooting sports in Nagaland, tracing it back to the formation of the Kohima Rifle Club in 1974 and the establishment of the Nagaland State Rifle Association in 1991. In 2019, the Nagaland State Rifle Association and Nagaland Rifle Association merged to form the NSSA.
Yaden said the NSSA has since conducted several state-level competitions, including the Hornbill Shooting Championship, and has been offering free training to nurture young shooters. With support from the state government, the association has also set up modern shooting facilities at Dimapur Indoor Stadium, inaugurated in December 2022. He expressed optimism that the platform would help young talents from Nagaland excel at national and international shooting events in the near future.
The programme began with an invocation led by Yanbemo Lotha, Senior Associate Pastor of Lotha Baptist Church, Dimapur, followed by a welcome address from the Chairperson and speeches delivered by the Chief Host. Declaring the training and competition open, the Special Guest fired the ceremonial ‘First Shot,’ marking the commencement of the programme.
